Post your latest small engine oil change

[Speedbird001]

Late model Honda "push" mower (It self propels ~50% of the effort required) on its 3rd season. Takes ~0.8 qts. Sticker says use 10w-30. I usually due a tilt/dump and fill late in the spring then again in the early fall

- Out: Supertech 10-30 ATV/SxS semi-synth (I think)

- In: thought I had some 10-30, but didn't (Oooofff): so in went a ~50/50 mix of TGMO 0w-20 and Amsoil 20w-50 V-twin motorcycle oil. (I'm sure it will be fine)

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Yeah, it will be fine. You're not putting garbage in it, and you thickened it up with the 20W50. I remember back in the day, push mowers actually had drain plugs on them. The hardest part was getting the thing on top of a few wooden horses. But, as the oil drained, I would quick take off the blade, run it past the bench grinder a bit, and dig out all the grass and mud stuck up in the frame. Now, with the spill and fill, the carb bowl empties out and makes it that much more harder to re-start because the air filter is soaked in gas. They probably did away with the plug because everyone was doin the spill the spill and fill. Just tells you how much life got more hectic since those days. You just don't have the time to enjoy doing it right anymore

 

[NormanBuntz]

2019 Generac 16 kw standby generator
Total hours: 197
OCI: one year, 35 hours runtime
Out: Rotella Gas Truck 5w-30, Purolator TL14476
In: Rotella Gas Truck 5w-30, Fram PH4386

Also replaced the oil pressure sensor that leaked like a sieve and had safely shut down the unit. This sensor apparently is a known problem. Part was $27. Not bad really.

 

[4WD]

Toro Super Recycler

Out: ST SAE 30

In: ST SAE 30 & FVP SAE 30

Also did spark plug, air filter, blade sharpening, wheel greasing, and a quick wash.

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Wonder if this oil is Grp2 to be SP ?

 

[asker123]

At the end of this season, after 4 years and around 130 hours and warranty is over, I will be switching from Amsoil Small engine oil 10W40 to Amsoil small engine oil 15W50 for my Kawasaki FR730V on Cub Cadet Z force SX 54.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

6-24 / 20 RESA Kohler standby generator / status: overdue / Recent back surgery gonna keep it that way for a few more months, till after physical therapy. Currently in 5W20 synthetic with OE filter. I'll get to it by early fall.

 

[Dutchy491]

At the end of this season, after 4 years and around 130 hours and warranty is over, I will be switching from Amsoil Small engine oil 10W40 to Amsoil small engine oil 15W50 for my Kawasaki FR730V on Cub Cadet Z force SX 54.

For what reason?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

2- 8hp Briggs push mowers. Old Flathead engines. Spill and fill 10W40 every 3 cuts. Sometimes add a dash Lucas oil stabilizer or STP blue glue because of piston rod raps ( something different from a Briggs engine. They were trash picked anyway,,,still going,,for now )

 

[asker123]

For what reason?

1) My frequency of mowing is low but I mow for long time in a single mow and temperature above 30 deg C often. 20W50 is prescribed in the manual and there have also been feedback through other members that 10W40 oil doesn't cut it in long run for these air cooled small engines. I am hoping 15W50 Amsoil small engine oil will serve this engine better. I want my engine to outlast the body. The mower has exceptionally good body ( commercial grade) fir the price paid.

2) I have had very bad experience for my car Honda Accord 2003 2.4 liter engine. I have been doing changing the oil religiously with 5W20/0W20 . Car has approx 328K kms on it and some Cam shaft lobes are pitted. That is a metallurgic issue but I am sure 5W30 oil could have helped from get go. so I am increasing visc one grade up for all hard working summer engines. I live on acreage and these equipment are critical to me

 

[cptbarkey]

Ryobi 3100 pressure washer with a Honda gcv170.
Out, Whatever was in my catch-all jug a year ago.
In, mix of Quicksilver 5w40 and ??? from my catch-all jug.

 

[MrJayhawk]

Honda HRX 217 with GCV200, 4 months old
Out: Honda factory oil
In: M1 0-40 Euro

 

[John105]

takes only 12 oz....

 

[gasman556]

takes only 12 oz....

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I hate doing this to mine! It just feels like I’m asking for carb, etc issues tipping that thing on its side.

 

[factorytuned2012]

this

 

[John105]

I hate doing this to mine! It just feels like I’m asking for carb, etc issues tipping that thing on its side.

Yes! Not really sure if switching off the fuel switch really does anything.

 

[MVAR]

Yes! Not really sure if switching off the fuel switch really does anything.

I use a vacuum extractor. Takes just a few pumps and about 30 seconds.

 

[oilboy123]

I use a vacuum extractor. Takes just a few pumps and about 30 seconds.

I just shim up wheels on any OPE to get the oil to flow just below dipstick. I shim up the wheels on opposite side, and a little higher on one wheel to get oil to pool where I insert the vacuum tubing. I never crack drain plugs ever.

 

[Opelman]

Had an interesting one come into the shop for a performance complaint. Honda FG110 tiller. A plugged and deteriorating air filter was the cause. New Air filter, new spark plug, and an oil change. Unknown old out, 4oz Vanguard 10w-30 in. Engine is a GX 25. Tiny little thing.

 

[oilboy123]

Had an interesting one come into the shop for a performance complaint. Honda FG110 tiller. A plugged and deteriorating air filter was the cause. New Air filter, new spark plug, and an oil change. Unknown old out, 4oz Vanguard 10w-30 in. Engine is a GX 25. Tiny little thing.

I have a GX35 brushcutter/weed trimmer. It takes about the same amount..... I have had it close to 7 years. I finally adjusted valve lash on it.

 

[diesellover]

New to me predator super quiet 3500 generator. Always best to drain when hot. Cooked dinner with it using the air fryer at 13 Amps. Less tools at my disposal after moving from a different state. Found wood blocks at the ends worked great. Several have a drain hose, this just had a drain plug on the side. Unknown full synthetic 10w30 out, and 20 ounces t5 10w30 semi synthetic in.

Blows my mind how many people on the Facebook group for predator generators brag about never changing the oil in these after 3000 hours etc etc. I get it, it's being used for a food truck. You don't always have time to work on it, but why on earth wouldn't you drain the oil? They just say it's not needed that they just sit there and add oil.

Oil peak temperature 160 degrees. It was running 13 amps 120 volts, and peak is 25 amps 120 volts (but they will run higher). I'm sure oil temperatures could get much higher after hours and high loads with old oil. And that oil does break down under those stressful conditions and many hours!